Arthur's POV

"Are you alright Merlin?" I ask, my brows knit together in worry, "you suddenly stopped."

Merlin turns and flashes me a smile but I can tell something's wrong. The gesture lacks its usual joy. I can see the strain in his eyes to keep the smile plastered to his face. "Sorry, just a slip of the tongue. I'll get it right next time," Merlin reassures me.

He turns back to the book in his hands. I can see the slight tremble as he grips the edges. His knuckles turn white from his ever tightening hold. I lean down and stare into his blue irises. The pupils are blown wide. I can tell he's contemplating a decision in his head. His expression keeps changing with every thought that passes through his head.

I gently reach a hand up to clasp his shoulder. I feel him jump under me at the sudden contact. He turns to stare at me. A weary expression on his face. "If you don't want to go through with this I can always find somebody else," I say, though I highly doubt any other sorcerer would even consider doing this. Merlin is my only hope but I don't tell him that. I can't force him to do this.

He shakes his head. "No, I can do it. I just need some time."

I, reluctantly, remove my hand from his shoulder. I take a step back in order to give him some space. I hear him take a deep breath before his gaze hardens. I see the determined set of his jaw. Whatever decision he was contemplating, it seems he's made his choice.

He lifts a hand again, letting it hover over my fathers wound. He fixes his gaze down onto the words in the book and begins to chant. The foreign words fill the air, circling around and around the vast emptiness, filling the room with its power. Despite never having encountered magic much in my lifetime I can tell Merlin is powerful. With each utter of a word I can feel power thrum to life around me. A shiver runs through my spine as I feel a gentle brush of magic against my skin. The room hums with energy.

Soon, the words disappear, leaving the room in an empty silence. Merlin's eyes shine gold. A brilliant colour when it's not in the eyes of my enemies. As fast as the colour had appeared, it fades away. My fathers breathing seems to even out. His face, that had been contorted in pain through the whole process, has seemed to finally settle

Merlin drops his hand down to his side and turns to face me with a smile. "The King should wake in a few days time. Come find me if he still isn't awake by the end of the week," he explains.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Tears start to prickle in the back of my eyes but I force them back. Relief floods through me like a tidal wave at the sight of the steady rise and fall of my fathers chest. I can feel a large weight being lifted off my shoulders. My father is alive. He is alive and well. I'm tempted to throw myself on Merlin and give him a long kiss but decide this is probably not the place. Instead, I give Merlin a wide smile, hoping that he can see the genuine happiness starting to make its way into my system. "Thank you Merlin," I say, "thank you, on behalf of all of Camelot."

"It was my pleasure."

"Are you going to stay for the night?"

"No, I need to head back. I don't wish to worry my parents again, especially after disappearing just two days ago."

I furrow my brows with worry. "Are you sure you should be heading out into the forest at night though? You could get hurt."

"I'll be fine Arthur. Really."

"I doubt you'll make it home before it gets dark. Can't you," I wave my hand in the air, "magic a message to your parents or something?"

Merlin glances out the window. The sun has all but disappeared on the horizon, being replaced by the white sphere of the moon instead. A purple glow bathes the sky as the last bit of light leaves the world till tomorrow. I hear him sigh before turning back to face me. "I guess you're right. I'll send them a message then get a room at an inn in the lower town for the night."

He's about to head out the door when I reach a hand out to stop him. "You can stay in my room for tonight," I blurt out. The second the words leave my mouth my face flushes bright red. I pull my hand away and avert my gaze. I stare down at the ground, trying to hide the look of embarrassment on my face. "I mean, it's the least I can do after you saved the king." I don't dare meet Merlin's eyes. I'm afraid of what I'll see. I expect to hear him laugh or mock me but instead I hear... nothing.

I look up tentatively. I'm surprised when I see the bright red covering his cheeks that mirror my own. His eyes skirt around the room shyly. "Um, are you sure that's alright?" He asks in a quiet voice.

I blush even brighter. "I'm alright with it if you're willing."

"Then I guess I'll take you up on that offer," he says with a shy smile.

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Merlin's POV

My mind whirls with worry as I follow Arthur towards his chambers. Did I make the right choice? Was it a mistake to save Uther? I tremble at the thought. Stop thinking about it. What's done is done. Let whatever come, come.

"We're here," I hear Arthur say forcing me out of my brooding.

I let out a gasp when I step through the door of Arthur's chambers. The room is much larger then my own. A dining table with wooden chairs surrounding its corners greets me in front of the door. There's a large four poster bed with many plush, red pillows facing a wardrobe and partition. A fireplace burns bright and hot on the right wall while a large window facing out to the courtyard below is located on the left by the bed. A desk is situated in front of the window, the chair faces out to the rest of the room. I stay frozen in place, my mouth agape. This room is almost as extravagant as the kings room. Camelot's castle is a lot larger then I thought if this is the chamber of a mere knight, even if he is a well trusted knight.

"Make yourself at home," Arthur says with a shy smile. He tosses his gloves on his desk before shedding his cloak, and tossing that as well, onto the floor.

I frown at him as he heads behind the partition to change. I pick up his cloak from the floor. "You should learn to pick up after yourself." I say as I drape the cloak over the chair behind his desk.

"That's what servants are for," Arthur says as he pokes his head out from behind the partition. I blush when I notice he's taken off his tunic, leaving his bare chest exposed. I can't help but stare at his tan skin which seems to shine when compared to my pale complexion. His well muscled chest captivates my eyes. Arthur seems to notice what I'm staring at and gives a playful smirk. "You enjoying what you're seeing?" He teases.

I feel heat rise up in my cheeks at being caught. I whip around to face the opposite direction in embarrassment. "Who would stare at a prat like you?" I say, trying to sound irritated.

Arthur laughs. I can't help the smile that appears on my lips when I hear the melodic sound. "Apparently certain dollopheads do." I puff out my cheeks in annoyance. Arthur strides over in a few quick steps and pokes my cheek. "Don't be like that. How about I ask a servant to get us a nice dinner."

I perk up at the mention of food. I haven't eaten since this morning, I'm famished. "Will there be chicken? " I ask in anticipation.

Arthur chuckles. "If that's what you want then sure. There's chicken."

My mouth waters as I imagine the food in my mind. A large, plump chicken cooked to perfection. The juicy, succulent taste at the first bite. A goofy smile starts to spread across my face. My chicken fantasy is cut short by a small grunt coming from Arthur. I turn to face him, my brows knit together when I see his somewhat annoyed expression. "What?" I ask.

"You seem happier thinking about chicken then talking to me," he says with a pout.

"Perhaps it's because I like chicken more then you," I tease with a chuckle.

He frowns. "And why is that?"

"Chicken can do more things then you."

"Oh really? Like what?"

"It tastes delicious and can satisfy my hunger."

"And what do I do?"

"Nothing."

The next thing I know I'm being backed up against the desk behind me. The back of my knees hit the edge, stopping me in my tracks as Arthur leans in, a devious expression crosses his face. I blush when his bare chest presses against mine as he brings his lips down on mine. It starts off tenderly at first but soon changes to something a little more heated. I close my eyes and we move together in sync. My hands find themselves entwined around Arthur's waist while I feel a pair of warm hands cup the sides of my face. I don't realize how much time has passed until Arthur pulls back. I slowly open my eyes to find Arthur's deep, blue eyes staring back at me only an inch away. His pupils are blown wide with a mischievous glint in them. Our noses are almost touching and I can feel his breath on mine as his mouth stretches into a grin.

"I can't do anything you say?"

I chuckle. "Okay, maybe I was wrong."

Arthur gives a triumphant smile before pulling away. He stretches and grabs a new tunic from his wardrobe. He starts to pull it on only to get himself tangled in the shirt sleeve. I hear him groan as he tries to pull off the shirt only to get himself even more hopelessly stuck. I try to hide my snickers as Arthur stumbles about the room in an attempt to dress himself.

"Here," I say, holding him still so he would stop moving. I untangle him from his tunic and pull it over his head properly.

Arthur darts his eyes to the side in embarrassment. "Thank you," he mumbles.

I chuckle. "You really can't do anything by yourself can you?"

"Shut up or I won't get you your chicken."

"Alright, shutting up. Though you really should learn how to dress yourself."

"Merlin..."

"Sorry." I throw my hands up in surrender.

Arthur rolls his eyes before turning for the door. "I'll go call a servant to bring up some food. In the meantime, you can message your parents."

I give him a nod before he heads out the door. I hear Arthur's voice bellow a loud, "George!" As he disappears down the hall.

I walk over to his desk and plop down onto his chair. I pull a piece of parchment from his table and grab the quill from the inkwell. I scribble a quick message to my mother, telling her I had lost track of time while taking a walk out in the forest, and am now, staying in an inn in a small village nearby. I hate lying to her, but its better then telling her where I really am.

After I'm finished with the letter I roll it up, tie it shut, then head to the window. I chant a quick spell, causing a crow to fly down and perch on the windowsill. I attach the message to the leg of the crow and whisper another spell near the bird. It gives a caw in my direction before tuning and flying out across the courtyard.

I shut the window to block the chilly air and decide to wait for Arthur at the dining table. I pull out a chair and take a seat. My eyes dart around the room as I wait patiently. His room is truly extravagant. All the cloth present in the room is soft and velvety, not the usual rough cloths used by everyone else other then the nobility and royalty. Is Arthur the son of a noble? If he's a knight then he must be.

My thoughts are interrupted by Arthur and a another man arriving with a large array of food. Arthur sets down the plate he's holding, which consists of a large chicken, and takes his seat at the head of the table. The other man, who seems to dress similarly to my usual attire, sets down a plate in front of each of us. The dish consists of a few small tomatoes, some sausage, cheese, and a bowl of hot stew.

Once the man finishes setting out our utensils and goblets he heads to a side table to grab a pitcher. He pours each of us some wine before standing politely to the side, waiting for more orders. Arthur glances at him before waving him away with his hand. "That'll be all for tonight George. You're dismissed," Arthur orders.

"But sire, I cannot possible leave you alone with this... suspicious individual," George says, shooting me a quick glare.

Arthur sighs. I can see the annoyance clear on his face. "I understand your concern but there is nothing to fear. He is my friend. Someone whom I trust with my life. If you have a problem with this then please do tell." The irritation is clear in Arthur's voice. It seems George notices as well and quickly bows frantically.

"As you wish, sire. I apologize." George hurriedly turns and heads out the door.

I hear Arthur let out a breath of relief before finally turning to me. He gives me a smile. "My manservant. Competent, but the dullest man alive."

"He seems like it," I say with a chuckle, "looks like a total bootlicker."

Arthur laughs. "He is. I've hoped to find another servant but, as I said, he's the most competent."

I give him a smile and pick up my spoon. I start to pick at the food. Everything looks delicious. The smell of chicken and warm stew fills the air around us, making me hungrier then ever. I try a piece of the chicken first. The flavour is delectable. Everything from the taste to the texture is perfect. I turn to look at Arthur. He hasn't started yet. Instead of digging into his food I find him staring at me endearingly. I raise an eyebrow at him.

"No one likes being watched while they eat," I tell him.

"It's funny watching your expression change."

"I don't make weird faces while I eat!"

"You wouldn't know. You can't see it. Your face just went from skeptical to complete bliss the moment you ate that chicken."

I pout. "Eat your food Arthur."

"You can't order me around."

"Frankly, I don't care if you're a knight. I do what I want."

Arthur laughs. "You would make a great servant Merlin. Though you would probably be immensely incompetent."

"At least I can dress myself everyday."

"Oh shut up Merlin."

We bickered back and forth for the rest of the night, laughing and joking with each other. For the first time in a long time. I forgot about all my worries.

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A/N - Hi everyone! So, there's a lot of fluff in this one. XD

Also just wanted to say that school has started for me recently so updates may start to slow down. I'm really sorry but I'll still try to post as often as I can!

As always thanks for reading! I love you all!